IMHX Skills Zone to highlight logistics career opportunities

15 May 2018

The exciting career opportunities available to graduates and school leavers within the logistics and supply chain sectors will be highlighted by a dedicated Skills Zone at next year’s International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX 2019 - NEC, Birmingham, 24-27 September 2019).

The Skills Zone will provide an opportunity for young people to participate in a range of interactive features that demonstrate the diverse career options that logistics offers. It is being delivered in partnership with The Big Bang Near Me - organiser of a programme of UK-wide events designed to encourage students to become interested in science, technology and engineering and Think Logistics - a sector-led initiative that aims to redefine the image of working in logistics.

Bethany Fovargue, operations manager at NOVUS, said: “The logistics sector employs a total of 2.35 million people in the UK, either directly or indirectly. That’s a huge number, accounting for nearly 8% of the UK workforce. With demand on the logistics sector forecast to grow significantly in the coming years, employers need to have the best talent on board. That is proving quite a challenge.

“The transport, logistics and supply chain sectors need ever-increasing and changing skills to keep Britain moving. The IMHX 2019 Skills Zone will aim to show young people just how attractive supply chain operations can be and, by doing so, encourage them to consider embarking on a career in the sector.”

Andy Kaye, Chair of the NOVUS and Chief Executive of Bis Henderson, commented: “One of the main reasons why not enough young people consider a career in logistics is perception. If you look at how the profession is perceived, particularly by young people, it is seen as quite industrial and poorly paid, as well as unskilled. Young people believe that working in logistics will only involve wearing high visibility jackets, protective boots, or driving a lorry!

“Logistics isn’t just about driving – there’s a long list of roles that are essential to the supply chain, such as materials planning, production, transport management, purchasing and operational management. As a sector, we need to re-educate this generation on the vast, fulfilling logistics careers that are out there."